The 22-year-old's current contract at St Andrew's expires at the end of the season. But having not made a first-team appearance for the Blues in the last two seasons, Rowett confirmed that he would not be getting an extension before explaining how the tough call had to be made.

"We have let Mitch go, with a heavy heart in some ways," he told the Mail.

"I could have offered him a contract for next season then after five games Mitch is going to come in and be in the same position.

However, with the Midlands side hoping to build on their promising season which saw them spend much of the campaign around the play-off places in the division, Rowett perhaps feels that some ruthless decisions are needed to help the club take that next step.

Hancox's departure may free up some funds that can be spent on strengthening the squad to allow them to make another push for the top six, and should allow the full-back to find a club that is able to offer him the regular football that Birmingham could not.